McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport

McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport sits on the south side of McCook, Nebraska, a city of roughly 7,500 people in the southwest corner of the state. The airport serves as a regional connector with daily flights to Denver via Denver Air Connection, and also handles general aviation traffic crossing the Great Plains. Its single runway and modest terminal belie the efficiency and friendliness that regulars have come to expect. For a facility its size, McCook Airport manages to deliver a travel experience that larger hubs often miss: personal, straightforward, and refreshingly calm.

Getting There

McCook Airport is located at 501 West B Street, about three miles from downtown McCook. From Highway 6/34, turn south on East 8th Street, then west on West B Street—the airport entrance is clearly marked. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle. There is no public transit directly to the airport, but taxis and rideshares can be arranged through local services in McCook. For those driving, on-site parking is available and free of charge, with both a main lot and a dedicated accessible car park. The airport is roughly 70 miles north of the Kansas border and 200 miles southwest of Omaha, making it a convenient stopover for road trips across the region.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport is compact but well-equipped for its passenger load. Upon entering, a small lobby offers seating and a clean, organized space. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. The check-in area is straightforward; passengers flying Denver Air Connection should arrive 45 minutes to an hour before departure. The airport has clean restrooms, including wheelchair-accessible toilets. A water fountain and vending machines provide basic refreshments, but there is no restaurant or café. The staff are known for their helpfulness—in cases of weather delays, they have been known to offer snacks and drinks to waiting passengers. The atmosphere is quiet and efficient, with security screening handled quickly due to low traffic. The busiest times are Monday and Tuesday at 5 pm, and Wednesday at 4 pm, when Denver Air flights depart. The terminal also serves general aviation pilots, with self-serve fuel available and a pleasant lobby for short breaks.

McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport and McCook

McCook itself is a city rooted in the agricultural heartland of Nebraska. Founded in 1882 as a railroad town, it sits along the Republican River and has a historic downtown district with brick storefronts and a courthouse square. The city is named after Alexander McCook, a Union general during the Civil War. Today, McCook’s economy relies on farming, manufacturing, and healthcare. Visitors come for the outdoor recreation: the Republican River offers fishing and canoeing, and the nearby Red Willow Reservoir provides boating and camping at Red Willow State Recreation Area. History buffs can explore the High Plains Museum, which covers pioneer life and the region’s Native American heritage. The Sehnert-Pioneer Carriage House hosts local events. McCook is also home to the annual Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival and a vibrant summer concert series. For travelers passing through, the airport is a gateway to the Sandhills region, a vast area of grass-stabilized dunes and ranches. The airport’s convenient fuel prices and quick turnaround make it a popular stop for private pilots flying cross-country. The staff’s local knowledge—from restaurant recommendations to weather updates—adds a personal touch that larger airports cannot replicate. Whether you are visiting for business at the local hospitals or grain cooperatives, or simply making a connection, McCook Airport offers a stress-free introduction to Nebraska’s wide-open spaces.

Practical Information

The airport is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm, and closed Sunday. However, these hours may vary; call ahead to confirm. Phone: +1 308-345-2022. Website: www.cityofmccook.com/132/Airport. The facility is wheelchair accessible throughout, with designated parking and restrooms. There is no ATM on site, so bring cash if needed. For fuel, self-serve is available 24/7 with a credit card. A concrete piece of advice: if you are flying out of McCook, park for free in the front lot and come inside early—the staff will likely have a pot of coffee ready and can tell you which route through downtown has the best pie.